Gujarat Board Class 10 Social Science Places of Indian Cultural Heritage Textbook Questions and Answers
I. Answer the following questions in detail.
Question 1.
Describe architectural style of Taj Mahal.
Answer:
Taj Mahal: It is located on the bank of river Yamuna at Agra in Uttar Pradesh. Taj Mahal is one of the seven Wonders of the world. Also, it is one of the best tombs of the world. Mughal King Shahjahan (grandson of Akbar) constructed it in the memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal and named it after her as Taj Mahal.
Taj Mahal is the tomb (maqbara) of Mumtaz Mahal. Shahajahan started its construction in 1631 AD after his wife death in 1630 AD. Mumtaz Mahal died in 1630 AD. It took 22 long years to complete the Taj Mahal. The construction got over in 1653 A.D. Shahjahan hired expert Indians, Iranian, Arabians, Turkish and European sculptures and artisans for building it. Shahjahan deeply wished to make Mumtaz Mahal’s name immortal. By building Taj Mahal he had finely achieved his wish.
The Taj Mahal is spread in rectangular shape from North to South. The grave of Mumtaz lies at the centre of Taj. The grave is surrounded by beautiful artistic octagonal fence carved out of stone. A beautiful saying is inscribed on one of its archs which says “Pious hearts are welcomed in the garden of paradise”. The architecture of Taj glorifies the rich heritage of India and is the highest epitome of Mughal architecture. The grandeur of the Taj attracts thousands of people every year.
Question 2.
Write a note on the places of cultural heritage of Gujarat.
Answer:
Gujarat is famous for its rich and varied cultural and natural heritage. Sahastralinga Lake, Step-well of Queen (Rani-ni-Vav) and Rudra Mahalaya Temple of Siddhapur are worth seeing architectures of Patan. The ruins of Rudra Mahalaya temple in Siddhapur depicts the grandeur of Siddhapur which is located 26 km away from Patan.
Ahmedabad has a rich ancient heritage consisting of Bhadra Fort, Jama Masjid, Mosque of Queen Sipri, Roza of Sarkhej, Kankaria Lake, Shaking Minara (Jhulta-Minara), Sidi Saiyad Jali (Grill), Mosque of Queen Roopmati, etc.
Dholavira is known for its ideal town planning. Due to a part of Harappan culture, it was quite famous as a centre of trade and commerce. Archaeologists discovered about 5000 years old bead and ornament making factories in Dholavira.
Lothal is a rich architectural site depicting the great Indus Valley Civilization. The famous buildings of Champaner include Moti Masjid, Jama Masjid and the historical fort. The fort of Vadnagar, Sharmishta lake and arches are monuments worth seeing. The arches are created on the two erected pillars creating bow-like shapes.
Shamlaji temple near Meshwo River is also an ancient place for pilgrimage. There were also many Stupas and Viharas built in Gujarat during Kshatrap period. The remains of Buddhist Stupas can be found from Bordevi of Junagadh district, Dev ni morinear Shamlaji, Intva stupa in Gimar near Junagadh, etc.
Gujarat also boasts of many other architectures such as Dev ni mori Bavapyara, Uparkot, Khapra Kodiya, Khambhaliya, Talaja, Sana, Dhank, Jhinjhurijhar, Kadiya Dungar, etc. Ancient Jain temples on Shetrunjya mountains at Palitana in Bhavnagar district are extremely artistic. After of these temples were built in 11th century.
Taranga is another Jain pilgrim situated on the hill near Timba village at Kheralu taluka in Mehsana district. The temple of Taramati is also situated here. Somnath temple at Gir- Somnath district and Dwarkadhish temple of Devbhoomi Dwarka have beautiful historical heritage. Many such beautiful places are there in Gujarat which makes our cultural heritage rich and prosperous.
Question 3.
Write a note on the Red Fort of Delhi.
Answer:
Red Fort: It is located in Delhi. It was built by Shahajahan in 1638 A.D. This fort is made of redstone and hence is called Red Fort. In this fort, Shahajahan, founded the city called Shahajanabad on his name. The Red Fort includes Diwan-e-Aam, Diwan-e- Khas, Rang Mahal, etc. Diwan-e-Khas is more magnificently decorated than other buildings. It is decorated with gold and silver and embedded with precious stones.
The other important buildings in Red Fort which catches the attraction are Rang Mahal, Mirror Palace (Aaina Mahal) of Mumtaz, Lahori Gate, Meena Bazar, Mughal Garden, etc. Shahajahan also got build a beautiful peacock throne for himself. However, Nadir Shah took it to Iran. Red Fort is one of the finest buildings among the Mughal architecture. Every year, during national festivals India hoists its National Flag on Red Fort.
II. Answer the following questions point-wise:
Question 1.
Explain art and architecture of Hampi.
Answer:
Hampi: It is a village and temple town situated near Hospet city in Ballary district of Karnataka. Hampi lies on the bank of fiver Tungabhadra. Hampi “pas the capital city of Vijayanagar Kingdom. The rulers of Vijayanagar kingdom were lovers of art. So, they developed a peculiar type of architecture during their region.
The period of Krishanadevaraya was considered to be the golden period of this art because art reached to its highest peak in his era. The main feature of architecture style of Vijayanagar was to carve out huge and magnificent pillars from the stones. Pillars and columns were artistically adorned with the figures of Gods, Goddesses, humans, animals, warriors and dancers. The Vithala temple and Hajra temples were built in Hampi during the reigns of Krishnadevaraya. Besides, Virupaksha temple, Achyutaray temple of Lord Krishna which is also one of the best examples of architecture was also built.
Question 2.
Write about Khajuraho temples.
Answer:
Khajuraho temples: Khajuraho is a small village in Chattarpur district of Madhya Pradesh. It contains world-famous Khajuraho temples. Khajuraho was the ancient capital city of the Chandela Rajputs of Bundelkhand. These kings built the Khajuraho temples between 905 and 1050 AD. Today there are 25 temples in Khajuraho. Most of these are Shaiva (Shiva) temples. Some of them are also Vaishnav and Jain temples.
All these temples have similar type of architecture and sculpture. The ‘64 (Chausath) yogini temple’ is the main and earliest temple built by Chandelas. The torch (Arch) of the temple is the best example of ornamental style of architecture. All the temples of Khajuraho were constructed with granite stones. These temples were constructed in Naagar styles. Art of sculpture and Vastu of Khajuraho temples is magnificent.
Question 3.
Write a brief note on Sun Temple of Konark.
Answer:
Sun Temple of Konark: It is situated in Konark in Puri district of Odisha. It lies near the Bay of Bengal. This temple was constructed in 13th century during the reign of King Narsinh Verman-I of Garg dynasty. The Sun Temple is in the shape of a gigantic chariot. The Temple is dedicated to the Sun God. The structure of chariot temple has twelve pairs of carved stone wheels and is pulled by a set of seven horses. It has 12 massive wheels which provide beauty to the pedestal of temple. These wheels reflect 12 months and each wheel has 8 spokes which shows 8 prahars of the day. The temple has been build using black stones. Hence, it is also called as ‘black pagoda’. The remains of this temple reflect the sculpture and civilization of 13th century Odisha.
Question 4.
Write a brief note on Brihadeswar Temple.
Answer:
Brihadeswara Temple:
It is a Shiva temple located at Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu. It was built between 1003 AD. and 1010 AD. in Dravidian style of architecture. It was built by king Rajraja-I of Chola dynasty. So, it is also known as Rajrajeshwar temple. The temple is 500 feet high and 250 feet wide. Its summit is 200 feet high above the ground and so this temple attained the place in the temples having high pinnacles. Owing to its huge size, grandeur and architecture, this temple is an excellent heritage of architectural art of India. It has also secured a very important place among the best temples of South India.
Question 5.
Write a note on Fatehpur Sikri.
Answer:
Fatehpur Sikri: It is a small place 26 miles away from Agra in Uttar Pradesh. Akbar shifted his capital from Agra to Sikri in 1572 AD. in the memory of Sufi saint. Shaikh Salim Chisti. The building construction of Sikri started in 1569 AD. and got completed in 1572 AD. The nest buildings of Sikri includes the palace of Birbal, Golden palace of Bibi Mariam, palace of Turkey Sultan, Jama Masjid and Buland Darwaza. Buland Darwaza (Veiy Huge Gate) is 50 m high and 42 m wide. Another well-known and remarkable buildings of Sikri are palace of Jodhabai, Panch Mahal, Tomb of Shaikh Salim Chisti, Diwan-e-Aam, Diwan-e-Khas and Jyotish Mahal.
III. Answer the following questions in short.
Question 1.
Write a brief note on the Kailash Temple at Ellora.
Answer:
Famous Kailash temple is situated in cave No. 16 of Ellora cave. The temple is 50 m long, 33 m wide and 30 m high. This temple is carved out of a single massive rock. It is adorned with beautiful doors, balconies and series of pillars. The beauty of temple is indescribable in words.
Question 2.
Write a note on Elephanta caves.
Answer:
Elephanta caves: These caves are situated on a small island near Gharapuri village in Arabian Sea, 12 km away from Mumbai in Maharashtra. It consists of 7 caves. The Portuguese named the island Elephanta Island in honour of a huge rock-cut stone statue of an elephant that one existed there. This is how the caves came to be known as Elephanta caves.
The caves contain many beautifully carved things. Among them the magnificent Trimurti temple in cave No. 1 is the best specimen of sculpture. In 1987 AD. UNESCO declared Elephanta Caves as a world heritage site. ‘Gharapuri’ means city of caves. So, locals also call Elephanta caves as Gharapuri.
Question 3.
Write a short note on Qutub Minar.
Answer:
Qutub Minar: It is a minerate in Qutub complex. It is located in Delhi. Qutub Minar was built in the 12th century by Qutubbudin Aibak, the founder of Ghulam dynasty. He died before completing this monument. Hence, after his death the remaining work was completed by his son-in-law Iltutmish. The minaret is a 72.5 m tall skyscraper made out of round red stones and marbles. Its circumference is 13.75m at its base and it gets reduced to 2.75 m at the top. Verses of Quran have been engraved on the minaret. It is the tallest stone minaret of India.
Question 4.
Write a short note on cathedrals (churches) of Goa.
Answer:
The Christian missionaries along the Portuguese came to India to spread Christianity. Portuguese considered Goa as their pride as well capital . in India. Together they built many churches in Goa. The famous ones include church of Basilica of Bom Besus and Basalica of God Jesus in old Goa. The relics of St. Francis Xavier are preserved in a coffin in Basilica of Bom Jesus. Miraculously his dead body has not decayed even after so many years. Goa is also well known around the world for its beautiful beaches and artistic churches.
Question 5.
Make a list of the places (monuments) of Cultural heritage of Gujarat:
Answer:
Famous Places of Gujarat
Location | Famous places and monuments depicting cultural heritage |
Champaner | Moti Masjid, Jama Masjid and Champaner Fort |
Dholavira and | Lothal Famous for their town planning and was important trade and commerce centres |
Junagadh | Stone inscription of Ashoka, Buddhist caves of Khapra Kodiya, Vav (step-well), Old Raj Mahal, Navghan well, Tomb of Bahauddin Vazir’s Itva, Stupa etc. |
Ahmedabad | Bhadra fort, Jama Masjid, Mosque of Queen Sipri, Roza of Sarkhej, Kankaria Lake, Shaking Minara (Jhulta-Minara), Adalaj Vav, Sidi Saiyad Jali (Grill), Temples of Hutheesing, Mosque of Queen Roopmati, etc. |
Patan | Sahastralinga Lake, Step-well of Queen (Rani-ni-Vav) and Rudra Mahalaya temple of Siddhapur. |
Vadnagar | Fort of Vadnagar and Sharmishta Lake |
Aravalli district | Shamlaji temple, Dev ni mori |
Palitanga | Jain Temples |
Taranga | Jain temple and Temple of Taramati |
Somnath | Somnath Temple |
Dwarka | Dwarkadhish Temple |
IV. Answer the following questions selecting the correct option from these given below:
Question 1.
In which state are Ajanta caves located?
(a) Madhya Pradesh
(b) Maharashtra
(c) Odisha
(d) Gujarat
Answer:
(b) Maharashtra
Question 2.
Which is not a correct statement?
(a) Kailash temple is located in Ellora caves.
(b) Total 34 caves are located in Ellora.
(c) Hindu religion caves were built during Rashtrakuta dynasty.
(d) Ellora caves are divided in four sections.
Answer:
(d) Ellora caves are divided in four sections.
Question 3.
Match the pairs and choose the correct order.
Temples | State | ||
1. | Sun Temple of Konark | (A) | Madhya Pradesh |
2. | Virupaksha Temple Pattadakal | (B) | Tamil Nadu |
3. | Brahadeshwar Temple | (C) | Karnataka |
4. | Khajuraho Temple | (D) | Odisha |
(a) 1-D 2-C 3-B 4-A
(b) 1-C 2-D 3-A 4-B
(c) 1-C 2-D 3-B 4-X
(d) 1-C 2-B 3-D 4-A
Answer:
(a) 1-D 2-C 3-B 4-A
Question 4.
Taj Mahal : Shahjahan; Tomb of Humayun :……….
(a) Jahangir
(b) Shahajahan
(c) Hammeda Begum
(d) Akbar
Answer:
(c) Hammeda Begum
Question 5.
Who founded city named Fatehpur Sikri?
(a) Humayun
(b) Shahjahana
(c) Babar
(d) Akbar
Answer:
(d) Akbar
Question 6.
Which is the correct option if we arrange these historical places of India in the sequence, from North to South
(a) Taj mahal, Khajuraho, Brihadesh- war, Ellora
(b) Ellora caves, Taj Mahal, Khajuraho, Brihadeshwar
(c) Taj Mahal, Brihadeshwar, Khajuraho, Ellora
(d) Taj mahal, Khajuraho, Ellora, Brihadeshwar
Answer:
(d) Taj mahal, Khajuraho, Ellora, Brihadeshwar
Question 7.
Join the given pair and find out the correct pair.
Answer:
(d) 1-C 2-B 3-D 4-A
Gujarat Board Class 10 Social Science Places of Indian Cultural Heritage Additional Important Questions and Answers
I. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Question 1.
Four students of a school took part in the discussion about caves of Ajanta. Whose concepts or ideas are incorrect among them?
Prachi: Ajanta caves are the magnificent example of initial Buddhist art of vastu, art of paintings and sculpture.
Rupa: Cave No. 18, 19 of Ajanta are rediscovered by captain John Smith
Shaili: The wall paintings of Ajanta caves are unique. Their theme is based on Buddhist religion.
Ila: Due to fine blending of wonderful art of painting, sculpture and architecture, Ajanta caves are famous all over the world.
(a) Only Prachi
(b) Rupa and Shaili
(c) Only Rupa
(d) Shaili and Ila
Answer:
(c) Only Rupa
Question 2.
Which of the following is not included in caves of Ellora?
(a) Caves related to Buddhism
(b) Caves related to Hinduism
(c) Caves related to Dhaakgiri
(d) Caves related to Jainism
Answer:
(c) Caves related to Dhaakgiri
Question 3.
Caves of Ellora are considered of which time?
(a) 600 AD to 1000 AD
(b) 905 AD to 1050 AD
(c) 1631 AD. to 1653 AD
(d) 1569 AD to 1572 AD
Answer:
(a) 600 AD to 1000 AD
Question 4.
Find the correct statement for Kailash temple.
(a) Kailash Temple is located in cave No. 16 of Ellora. It is carved out by a single rock.
(b) This temple is 50 m long, 33 m wide and 30 m high. This temple is adorned with beautiful doors, balconies and series of pillars. The beauty of the temple cannot be described in words.
(c) Ellora caves are dedicated to Hindu, Jain and Buddhist religions and it is not only example of magnificent creation but also best example of technology.
(d) All are correct.
Answer:
(d) All are correct.
Question 5.
Which of the following pairs is not correct?
(a) Cave No. 1 to 12 related to Buddhism.
(b) Cave No. 13 to 29 related to Hinduism.
(c) Gave No. 18 and 19 were rediscovered by an English Captain John Smith.
(d) Cave No. 30 to 34 related to Jainism.
Answer:
(c) Gave No. 18 and 19 were rediscovered by an English Captain John Smith.
Question 6.
Which of the following pairs is not correct?
(a) Portuguese: Name Elephanta
(b) Total number of Elephanta caves: 7
(c) Chaitya: Study place for Buddhist monks
(d) Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh: Trimurti
Answer:
(c) Chaitya: Study place for Buddhist monks
Question 7.
Which of the following statements is true about Mahabalipuram?
(a) Mahabalipuram is famous for its splendid temple architecture and seashore.
(b) The city got its name from Mahamalla was the popular name of India’s Pallava King Narsinh Varman-I.
(c) During the period of Pallavas, total five chariot temples were built here.
(d) Mahabalipuram which had an unparalleled architectural rock sculpture in the world, which was also a famous harbor of ancient time.
Answer:
(c) During the period of Pallavas, total five chariot temples were built here.
Question 8.
Which of the following statements is related to Khajuraho temple?
(1) Most of them temples are Shiva temples.
(2) The Shiva temple of Bhumra is the main among them.
(3) It was the main capital city of Chola Kings of Bundelkhand.
(4) Some of them are Vaishnav and Jain temples.
(a) 1 and 4
(b) Only 3
(c) 2 and 1
(d) Only 4
Answer:
(a) 1 and 4
Question 9.
Which of the following statements is not true about the Sun temple of Konark?
(a) This chariot temple drawn, by seven horses took the form of chariot of Sun God.
(b) It has 12 massive wheels that reflects twelve months.
(c) Its each wheel has eight spokes which shows eight prahars of the day.
(d) This temple has been built by marble white stones so it is called creation of seven chariots.
Answer:
(d) This temple has been built by marble white stones so it is called creation of seven chariots.
Question 10.
Which of the following statements is not true about Brahadeshwar temple?
(a) It is located in Tanjore of the state Tamil Nadu.
(b) That temple is considered of Lord Shiva.
(c) It possess thirteen storeyed gopurans.
(d) It has been built by Narsinh Varman-I of Chola dynasty so it is called Rajrajeshwar temple.
Answer:
(d) It has been built by Narsinh Varman-I of Chola dynasty so it is called Rajrajeshwar temple.
II. Very Short Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
Which temple is situated in Taranga pilgrimage?
Answer:
Taramati
Question 2.
At which place is Shetrunjaya mountain located?
Answer:
Palitana
Question 3.
What is meant by well with steps?
Answer:
Stepwell / Vav
Question 4.
Which lake was built by Siddharaj Jaisingh?
Answer:
Sahastraling lake
Question 5.
At which place is Rudra Mahalaya located?
Answer:
Siddhpur
Question
6. Which construction was completed by Iltutmish?
7. At which place is step well ofAdi-Kadi situated?
Answer:
Junaga
Question 8.
By what name is Buddha matha known?
Answer:
Vihar
Question 9.
In which state is Jagannathpuri located?
Answer:
Odisha
Question 10.
Which town is considered as a town of Indus Valley Civilization located in Khadirabet?
Answer:
Dholavira
III. Short Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
What are chaityas, stupas and viharas?
Answer:
Chaityas: The temple halls or say shrines of Buddhist monks are called chaityas.
Stupas: A stupa is a heap-like hemispherical structure containing relics of Buddhist monks or nuns. Stupa is used as a place for meditation.
Stupas are built in the most interior ends o the caves.
Viharas: These are monasteries used by Buddhist monks for meditation and the they of Buddhist teachings. Buddhist monks reside in viharas.
Question 2.
What is Gharapuri? Mention its importance.
Answer:
Gharapuri is a village in Arabian Sea, 12 km away from Mumbai in Maharashtra. Elephanta Caves are situated on a small island near this village. Locally, ‘Gharapuri’ means city of caves. So, Local people also call Elephanta Caves as Gharapuri.
Question 3.
Give an introduction of the town and temples of Mahabalipuram.
Answer:
Mahabalipuram: It is a small city located at 60 km from Chennai in Tamil Nadu. Mahabalipuram lies on the coast and faces the Bay of Bengal. This city is famous for its splendid temple architecture and seashore. Narsinh Varman-I, the King of Pallava dynasty, gave this town the name of Mahabalipuram. People gave the king the title of ‘Mahamalla’ which means a great wrestler. Seven temples were built here. Out of them two temples submerged in the sea. Hence, today only five chariot temples exist. The temples contain an amazing figure of Lord Vishnu in smiling pose. Besides, there is also an idol of Goddess Durga slaying Mahisasura. It is worth knowing that Mahabalipuram was also a famous ancient harbour.
Question 4.
Give a brief idea about Pattadakal and its famous temples.
Answer:
Pattadakal:
Village Pattadakal is situated 16 km away from Badami Nagar in Karnataka. It was once the capital of Chalukya dynasty. Chalukyas built several temples here in Dravidian style of architecture. These were built between 7 and 8th century. Virupaksha temple is the biggest temple in Pattadakal.
Question 5.
Enlist the famous ancient temples of South India.
Answer:
Ancient temples of South India:
Temples of South India are famous for their Dravidian Style of architecture. South Indian temples are multistoried forming shape of pyramid. Finaly, an attractive stone is placed on its top.
Some of the famous South Indian ancient temples are given below:
Name of Temple | Place |
Mahabalipuram | Mahabalipura-Tamil Nadu |
Kailash Temple | Kanchipuram-Tamil Nadu |
Brihadeswar Temple | Thanj avur-Tamil Nadu |
Virupaksha Temple | Pattadakal- Karnataka |
Parashuramesh- war Temple | Bhubaneshwar-Odisha |
Vaikuntha Perumal Temple | Kanchipuram-Tamil Nadu |
Question 6.
Give an introduction of Champaner.
Answer:
Champaner is a historic town situated in the foothills of Pavagadh mountains at Halol taluka in Panchmahal district of Gujarat. The young sultan of Gujarat, Mahmud Begada defeated the Champaner army and renamed it as Muhammadabad. Then he shifted his capital from Ahmedabad to Muhammadabad. The famous buildings of Champaner include Moti Masjid, Jama Masjid and the historical fort. Considering art, architecture and historical importance of Champaner, UNESCO has declared this town as a world heritage site.
Question 7.
Historically what is Junagadh famous for?
Answer:
Junagadh district has quite a lot of historical sites and architecture such as stone inscriptions of Ashoka, Buddhisfcaves of Khapra Kodiya, Vav (step-well), old Raj Mahal, Navghan well, tomb of Bahauddin Vazir, etc. Junagadh is also famous for Bhavnath fair held during Mahashivratri on the foothills of Gimar.
Question 8.
Give an idea about architecture of Ahmedabad.
Answer:
Ahmedabad can be considered as one of the historical cities of Gujarat. It has a rich ancient heritage consisting of Bhadra Fort, Jama Masjid, Mosque of Queen Sipri, Roza of Sarkhej, Kankaria Lake, Shaking Minaret (Jhulta-Minara), Sidi Saiyad Jali (Grill), Temples of Hutheesing, Mosque of Queen Roopmati, etc. The shaking minarets outside Sarangpur Darwaza in Raipur-Gomtipur shakes when they are pushed. Still no one is able to find how they shake and even then do not break and stand still. The Sidi Saiyad Jali (Grill) is famous for its vegetational-geometrical minute carving.
Question 9.
Write a short note on Patan.
Answer:
Patan is rich in its architecture. Sahastralinga lake, step-well of Queen (Rani-ni-vav) and Rudra Mahalaya temple of Siddhapur are worth seeing architecture’s of Patan. The ruins of Rudra Mahalaya temple in Siddhpur depicts the grandeur of Siddhpur which is located 26 km away from Patan. Rani-ki-vav was built by Udaymati, the queen of Bhimdev-I so that people of the kingdom can get clean drinking water. UNESCO declared Rani-ki-vav as a world heritage monument in 2014. This vav is a proof of innovative and excellent water harvesting system that existed in ancient Gujarat. Siddhraj Jayasingh built Shahastraling lake in 1140 AD.
Question 10.
What is vav? Enlist famous vavs of Gujarat.
Answer:
Vav is a well with steps (i.e. step-well) having one, two, three or four opening and three, six, nine or twelve floors. Nanda, Bhadra, Jaya and Vijaya are the main types of vav. Step-well of Adalaj near Gandhinagar, Step-well of Queen of Patan (Rani-ki-vav), Adi-Kadi step-well at Junagadh are quite famous vavs of Gujarat. Vavs at Nadiad, Mehmedabad, Umrath, Kapadwarij, Vadhwan and Kaleshwari (Mahisagar district) etc. are also beautiful examples of vav architecture.
Question 11.
UNESCO’s endorsement affirms India’s rich cultural heritage. Explain it.
Answer:
India is a treasure house of rich cultural heritage. A number of rulers belonging to India and several parts of the world ruled various parts of India. These rulers constructed a very large number of monuments, palaces; forts, temples and mosques across India. Moreover, India also has several natural heritage sites.
Looking at the rich cultural and natural heritage of India, UNESCO which is a world-level organization has declared 32 monuments of India as world heritage sites. For example, Taj Mahal, Red Fort, Elephanta caves of Maharashtra, Champaner of Gujarat, Raniki-Vav, etc. are all considered the parts of world heritage sites. Thus, UNESCO strongly believes that India’s culture and heritage is very rich.
IV. Long Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
Write a short note on caves of Ajanta.
Answer:
Ajanta caves are situated near Ajanta village in Aurangabad district, Maharashtra. These caves are magnificent example of initials Buddhist art of vastu, art of paintings and sculpture. Ajanta is among the finest examples of some of the earliest Buddhist architecture, cave paintings v, v. ..and sculptures.
These caves have two types of structures namely:
- Chaitya halls or shrines, dedicated to Lord Buddha, and
- Viharas or monasteries, used by Buddhist monks for meditation and the study of Buddhist teachings.
Cave No. 9, 10, 19, 26 and 29 are Chaityas, whereas the remaining Caves are viharas. Based on the work done in than, caves can be divided in two types i.e. (1) Caves NO. 1, 2, 10, 16 and 17 have excellent wall Paintings depicting Buddhist religion. These caves have attained the highest rank in wall painting. With time, people had forgotten Ajanta caves. In 1819 A.D. John Smith, a British officer, rediscovered these caves. Human interference and time have greatly damaged them. Ajanta caves are world-famous for their extremely rich blending of art, paintings; sculpture and architecture.
Question 2.
Write a note on Humayun’s tomb and. Agra Fort.
Answer:
Humayun Tomb: It is the tomb of Mughal Emperor Humayun located in Delhi. It is one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture. When Humayun died, his queen Hameeda begum built his tomb (maqbara). This tomb was made in Iranian style of architecture using red and white stones.
Agra Fort: It is located on the bank of river Yamuna in Agfa city of Uttar Pradesh. This fort is made up red stones. Hence, it is also known as Red Fort of Agra. It was built by Akbar in 1565 AD. He also built Jahangir Palace for his son Jahangir in this fort. One can see the reflection of Hindu and Iranian style of architecture in Agra Fort, whereas Bengal and Gujarat style of architecture in Jahangir Palace. Agra Fort is 70 feet high and has circumference of 1.5 mile (2.41 km). The walls of the fort are embedded with red stones so skillfully that none of the stone joints are visible. Jahangir’s son Shahjahana had spent the last days of his life in Agra Fort.
Question 3.
Give introduction about the architecture of Dholaveera and Lothal.
Answer:
Dholaveera and Lothal were the main cities of Indus Valley Civilization. Dholaveera: It is situated in Khadirbet at Bachau taluka in Kachchh district. It is known for its ideal town planning. ‘Due to a part of Harappan culture, it was quite famous as a center of trade and commerce. Archeologists discovered 5000 years old bead and ornament making factories in Dholavira.
Lothal: It is situated on Ahmedabad- Bhavnagar Highway in Dholka of Ahmedabad district. Lothal is a rich architectural site depicting the great Indus Valley Civilization. It was the main centre of trade and commerce. It was also a developed and well facilitated port of in the ancient time.